Sharing your ideas

Why should you care about plagiarism?

Maybe you are familiar with the consequences of plagiarism. But have you ever thought about why we cite our sources?

Show what you know!

Maybe you think that citing other people's words and ideas makes you seem like you don't know enough. Actually, the opposite is true! When you cite trustworthy information, it shows that you did your research, and makes you seem trustworthy (and smart) too. It also makes your arguments more persuasive when you can show where you got your facts from.

Respect those who came before you.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "standing on the shoulders of giants?" Every teacher, student, researcher, and artist builds on others' ideas. The research you do is based on those who have come before you, and citing them honors how they have helped you form your own thinking.

Contribute to the conversation.

When you cite your sources, you are building on what others have created, and adding your own thoughts to a bigger conversation. ​ One day, someone may be citing something you created in their middle school work! But even if that doesn't happen, citing your sources helps place the work you are doing within a bigger context.

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